John 4:36

And he that reapeth receiveth wages, and gathereth fruit unto life eternal: that both he that soweth and he that reapeth may rejoice together.

And {G2532} he that reapeth {G2325} receiveth {G2983} wages {G3408}, and {G2532} gathereth {G4863} fruit {G2590} unto {G1519} life {G2222} eternal {G166}: that {G2443} both {G2532} he that soweth {G4687} and {G2532} he that reapeth {G2325} may rejoice {G5463} together {G3674}.

The one who reaps receives his wages and gathers fruit for eternal life, so that the reaper and the sower may be glad together —

Already the reaper draws his wages and gathers a crop for eternal life, so that the sower and the reaper may rejoice together.

He that reapeth receiveth wages, and gathereth fruit unto life eternal; that he that soweth and he that reapeth may rejoice together.

John 4:36 (KJV) is a profound statement by Jesus, delivered to His disciples as He explains the urgency and nature of the spiritual harvest. This verse follows His significant encounter with the Samaritan woman at Jacob's well, where many Samaritans were beginning to believe in Him based on her testimony.

Context

This verse is part of Jesus' extended teaching to His disciples in John 4:35-38. Having just sent His disciples to buy food, Jesus reveals to them a greater hunger and a more urgent work: the spiritual harvest of souls. He uses agricultural metaphors, contrasting the physical harvest with the immediate spiritual opportunity. The Samaritans, previously considered outsiders by many Jews, were now ripe for the Gospel, symbolizing a broader mission field beyond traditional boundaries. Jesus emphasizes that the work of bringing people to faith is a collaborative effort, involving both those who prepare the ground (sowers) and those who gather the fruit (reapers).

Key Themes

  • Spiritual Harvest and Urgency: Jesus highlights that the "fields are white already to harvest" (John 4:35), indicating that the time for evangelism and discipleship is now. There's no waiting period; the opportunity for salvation is immediate.
  • Divine Reward for Service: The phrase "he that reapeth receiveth wages" assures those involved in God's work of a divine recompense. This "wage" is not merely earthly compensation but a spiritual reward, culminating in the joy of seeing souls enter eternal life. It signifies God's recognition and blessing on faithful labor.
  • Fruit Unto Eternal Life: The ultimate purpose of the spiritual harvest is to gather "fruit unto life eternal." This "fruit" represents those who come to faith in Christ, and the goal is their salvation and participation in God's everlasting kingdom. It underscores the eternal significance of sharing the Gospel.
  • Unity and Shared Joy in Ministry: "That both he that soweth and he that reapeth may rejoice together" emphasizes the collaborative nature of God's work. Whether one plants the seed of the Gospel or helps bring someone to a decision of faith, the ultimate joy is shared by all who participate in the process. This promotes unity and mutual encouragement among believers, recognizing that different roles contribute to the same divine purpose.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek word for "wages," misthos (μισθός), refers to payment for work or a reward. In this context, it signifies the spiritual recompense for faithful service in the kingdom of God. The term for "fruit," karpos (καρπός), is often used metaphorically in the New Testament to represent the outcome or result of actions, here specifically referring to converts or souls brought into relationship with God. "Life eternal," zoe aionios (ζωὴ αἰώνιος), is a profound concept in John's Gospel, denoting not just endless duration but a quality of life—the very life of God—which believers receive through faith in Christ.

Practical Application

John 4:36 encourages believers today to actively participate in the spiritual harvest. It reminds us that every act of sharing the Gospel, whether through a simple conversation, a helping hand, or direct evangelism, contributes to God's larger plan. We are called to look at our communities and the world with spiritual eyes, recognizing the many who are ready to hear the good news. Furthermore, the verse fosters a spirit of unity in the church, reminding us that success in ministry is a collective effort, and all who serve, in whatever capacity, will share in the ultimate joy of seeing lives transformed and gathered unto eternal life. It motivates us to sow seeds of truth and to be ready to reap when the opportunity arises, knowing that our labor in the Lord is never in vain (1 Corinthians 15:58).

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • James 5:19

    Brethren, if any of you do err from the truth, and one convert him;

  • James 5:20

    Let him know, that he which converteth the sinner from the error of his way shall save a soul from death, and shall hide a multitude of sins.

  • Romans 1:13

    Now I would not have you ignorant, brethren, that oftentimes I purposed to come unto you, (but was let hitherto,) that I might have some fruit among you also, even as among other Gentiles.

  • 1 Corinthians 3:5

    ¶ Who then is Paul, and who [is] Apollos, but ministers by whom ye believed, even as the Lord gave to every man?

  • 1 Corinthians 3:9

    For we are labourers together with God: ye are God's husbandry, [ye are] God's building.

  • 2 Timothy 4:7

    I have fought a good fight, I have finished [my] course, I have kept the faith:

  • 2 Timothy 4:8

    Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.

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